What is “crazy honey” and why does it cost a fortune?
Irina Dvorkina November 25, 2023, 16:00 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
In minimal quantities it has healing properties.
General practitioner, former director of the Hillel Foundation in Saratov.
“Rhododendron honey is a unique delicacy. This type of product has great success in the world due to its gustatory value. In the article we will analyze its beneficial properties and potential risks, as well as the reasons for its high cost.”
What is rhododendron honey?
Rhododendron honey is a natural honey produced by bees. Rhododendrons are tall shrubs or small trees with beautiful flowers that thrive mainly in Southeast Asia.
The product, whose price reaches 200 dollars per kilo, is in great demand in Asia, the United States, Europe and Australia. In the Himalayas there is even a whole people, the Gurung tribe, who hunt wild honey and rise to high altitudes, from 2800 to 3500 meters, among thickets of flowering rhododendrons.
Beneficial properties of rhododendron honey.
Known for its high antioxidant content. They help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals and prevent the acceleration of the aging process and cellular damage. It has antibacterial properties due to osmotic lysis: honey “sucks” water from the bacteria that enter it, preventing their further growth. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties due to the content of phytoncides – biologically active substances that inhibit the growth and development of pathogenic bacteria, which is especially important during colds. However, this does not mean that the product can replace the treatment prescribed by a doctor.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Potential harm of rhododendron honey.
Toxicity
It is important to note that some varieties of rhododendron contain a toxic compound such as grayanotoxin (andromedotoxin). Poisoning with this substance causes weakness, convulsions, increased salivation and sweating.
The European Commission is considering banning rhododendron honey in the EU due to its andromedotoxin content.
A 2006 study published in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine showed cases of grayanotoxin poisoning in Turkey. The amount of toxic honey was 2 to 5 tablespoons. Symptoms appeared within 30 minutes. – 2 hours after taking it.
Also read:
What is Manuka honey and why is it unique? 7 beneficial properties from a nutritionist
In large doses, the product can cause hallucinations, which is why it is also called “crazy honey,” “drunken honey,” and “crazy honey.” In extreme cases, coordination is impaired, muscle weakness increases, and heart rate is altered. Therefore, it is important to monitor and test the quality and safety of rhododendron honey in accordance with regulations and standards.
Reasons for the high cost of rhododendron honey.
Rhododendron honey is considered a prized delicacy and has a fairly high cost for several reasons:
Rhododendrons do not grow in all parts of the world, making this type of honey a rare delicacy. This affects its price as demand and interest exceed supply; Collecting honey from rhododendron flowers requires a special approach, as bees may not be very attracted to its smell. This makes the collection process labor-intensive and increases its cost; Due to the potential risks associated with rhododendron toxicity, honey must be specially tested and certified, and toxic honey must be discarded. This also increases its cost.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Rhododendron honey is a tasty and healthy delicacy with high biological value. However, due to the potential risks associated with rhododendron toxicity, care should be taken when consuming and purchasing it.
Due to its rarity and labor-intensive harvesting process, rhododendron honey commands a high price, making it a unique product on the market.
Also read:
What will happen to the body if you eat honey every day? Nutritionist answers
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